Summer Camp Guide

By Rita Mauceri, Ledger Contributing Writer

March 2014

June will be here before you know it, and now is the time to start planning how you’re going to keep the kids busy (and yourself sane) all summer long! Sessions at local day and overnight camps are open for registration, so get your applications in early to ensure you get your first choice of programs and dates.

The following guide offers a rundown of day and residential camps for every age and interest. Many camps offer scholarship programs and extended drop-off and pickup hours to accommodate the needs of parents, so be sure to check their websites for further details.

For more camps in the greater Los Angeles area, check out Red Tricycle. You can also go to the Los Feliz Ledger website for a printable Camp Checklist to help you and your child get packed and prepped for a summer of fun.

Day Camps

Adventures in Nature Summer Day Camp

For nature-lovers and outdoorsy kids, L.A.’s Natural History Museum and Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits offer week-long interactive camps where children can explore a wide variety of topics from Earth’s fascinating features and creatures, to cultures from around the globe.

Natural History Museum900 Exposition Blvd. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd Website: www.nhm.orgPhone: (213) 763-3499
Aloha Beach and Surf Camp
Aloha Beach Camp is an aquatic-themed summer program where kids learn to surf, boogie board, jet ski, and swim at Paradise Cove, Zuma Beach, Lake Castaic and other local hotspots. Founded in 1999, the camp is comprised of three age-appropriate programs to ensure fun and safety for all: Keiki Camp serves younger children ages 4 – 7; Kahuna Camp is for campers 8 – 11; The High-Action Camp is aimed at teens 12 – 15. The camp offers free transportation on buses and vans from over a dozen drop-off points around Los Angeles. Another nice feature: you can customize and handpick individual days for your child to attend the camp.Dates: 6/16 – 8/22. Ages: 4 – 15.Schedule: 9:30 am – 3:30pm with pickup between 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and drop-off between 4:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. Cost: $98 per day depending on when you register and for how many days. Get an early bird discount before 3/31.First day to register: Now. Website: alohabeachcamp.comPhone: (818) 932-4600

Art Center for Kids Summer Workshops
Pasadena’s popular Art Center for Kids offers one-week art and design courses during the summer on a variety of creative topics from architecture and cartooning, to fashion sketching, portraiture and painting.

Art Works
For children interested in learning to draw dragons or express themselves through anime, Art Works offers artist-taught classes focusing on a variety of drawing, painting and mixed media techniques.Dates: Any day school is not in session.
Ages: 5 – 13.Schedule: 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.Cost: $110 per day. First day to register: Now. 660 N. Larchmont Blvd. Website: artworksstudio.org (323) 463-2562

Audubon Center at Debs Park
Audubon Center at Debs Park offers the ideal urban wilderness experience for nature-loving youngsters. Summer sessions include hands-on activities, crafts and creative projects, and hikes focused on the plants and animals of Debs Park and the Arroyo Seco.

Burbank Music Academy Rock-N-Roll Camp
Strummers, drummers, and aspiring rock stars get an opportunity to learn about music, play instruments and perform at the Summer Rock-N-Roll Camp at Burbank Music Academy. Kids are exposed to guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, vocal instruction, on-stage movement, musical genres, and legendary artists. Students choose an instrument to focus on and are placed in bands based on age and ability.

Dates: schedule and other details to be determined. Ages: 5 and up, no prior music knowledge is necessary. 4107 West Burbank Blvd., Burbank www.burbankmusicacademy.com Phone: (818) 845-ROCK (7625)

California Science Center
Exciting explorations, delightful discoveries, and wild wonders await your child at Hands-On Science Camp at the California Science Center. More than 30 courses are offered from Chemical Chaos to 3D Animation, along with popular parent-and-child classes that give families a chance to investigate science together. In addition to exploring different topics—physics, space, mechanics, and more— campers get to experience the museum’s exhibits, including the Endeavour space shuttle.Dates: 6/16 – 8/15.Ages: Pre-K – 8th Grade.Schedule: Varies with age, from two to six hours a day.Cost: $155 – $305 per week; member discounts are available.First day to register: Now. 700 Exposition Park Drive, Exposition Parkwww.californiasciencecenter.orgPhone: (213) 744-7400

DayJams: Rock Music Camp
Geared towards tweens and teens, DayJams offers a concentrated rock music camp for aspiring Bonos and Bowies. Professional musicians teach all levels from beginner to advanced how to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, horns, and sing vocals. Campers form bands, write original songs, perform in a rock concert and even record a CD.

Enterprise Farms Riding Camp
Enterprise Farms’ week long riding camps cover all the essentials for junior equestrians and horse-lovers: horsemanship skills, grooming, bathing, tacking and exercising and more. Camps end with a horse show and awards ceremony where campers demonstrate their newly developed skills for family and friends.

Glendale YMCA
Well-known for its dedication to youth activities and emphasis on safety, the YMCA offers a fun-filled and nurturing environment with professional staff. The summer program provides campers with quality care and attention in a local setting. Every week has a different theme with field trips, swimming, songs, games, snacks, tournaments, arts and crafts, cookouts at the park and more.

Dates, schedule and other details to be determined.Ages: 5 – 13. All campers must have completed Kindergarten. 140 North Louise Street, GlendaleWebsite: http://glenymca.orgPhone: (818) 240-4130

Golden State Gymnastics
Whether your child is a novice or has years of gymnastics experience, he or she can grow, learn new skills, and achieve a personal best at this nonprofit gymnasium. Daily activities include a focus on gymnastics along with arts and crafts, games, and outdoor water play.

Kidspace Children’s Museum
Kidspace knows a thing or two about entertaining kids and their summer program is no exception. Kidspace Camp brings science and art alive for children as they play under the guidance of education specialists who inspire and ignite creativity, problem solving and team building with an emphasis on safety and fun.

Dates: 7/15 – 8/16.
Ages: 6 – 11.

Schedule: Half days or full days,

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $80 per day or $400 per week for full days; $50 per day or
$250 per week for half days.

First day to register: Now.

480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena,

Website: www.kidspacemuseum.org

Phone: (626) 449-9144

L’ecole du Soleil
Your child can enjoy an international summer without leaving L.A. thanks to L’ecole du Soleil. Choose from three age-based programs focusing on language and fun activities including field trips. Previous exposure to the French language is not required, bien sûr.

Dates: 7/1 – 8/2. Ages: 4 – 10.

Cost: Full week starting at $290 and part-time starting at $70.

Lycée International de

Los Angeles (LILA)

4155 Russell Ave., Los Feliz

www.ecoledusoleil.com

info@lilaschool.com

Phone: (323) 665-4526

Marlborough Summer School

For over 100 years, Marlborough School has been preparing young girls for life and leadership. During the summer months, their co-ed program does the same, offering boys and girls Kindergarten through 9th grade a wide variety of courses from athletics to academics, science to drama, art to math. Morning and afternoon sessions take place at the Marlborough campus near Larchmont Village.

Dates: 6/16 – 7/26.

Ages: K – 9th Grade Co-Ed.

Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with extended care available.

Cost: Tuition varies and includes any materials or field trip fees.

Tuition for the five-week Morning Period courses begins at $415.

Tuition for Afternoon Classes is $725 and up.

First day to register: Now.

250 South Rossmore Ave.,

Los Angeles

www.marlboroughsummerschool.org

Phone: (323) 964-8401

Natural History Museum: Adventures in Nature

The Natural History Museum’s hands-on camp caters to archaeologists, adventurers, and dino devotees in Grades K – 8. Kids get to explore fossils and habitats, and participate in interactive classes to discover the world of dinosaurs, geology, rocks, oceans and more.

Dates: 6/24 – 8/9.

Ages K – 8th Grade.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with extended care available.

Cost: $250 per week for members, $300 per week for non-members.

900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles.

Website: nhm.org/summercamp

Phone: (213) 763-3466

Prime Time Sports Camp

At Prime Time Sports Camp, junior jocks age 4 and up can take part in a huge variety of sports activities from basketball and soccer, to dodgeball, hockey, lacrosse and more. Special events include fun water days and mini-Olympics.

Let the games begin!

Dates: 6/10 – 8/9 in Silver Lake and Hancock Park. Ages: 4 – 14.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost: from $225 to $300 per week depending on location and early enrollment. Enroll before May 1st and save 10%.

Hancock Park:

Burroughs Middle School

600 S. McCadden Pl.

Silver Lake:

Ivanhoe Elementary School
282 Herkimer St.

www.primetimesportscamp.com

Phone: (310) 838-7872

Rolling Robots Robotics Camp

Kids can summon their inner engineer and create machines and robots of their own in this fun and educational day camp. Through a series of five laboratory classes, campers learn the fundamentals of robotics from design and gear ratios to movement and remote controls.

Dates, schedule and other details to be determined.

1800 South Brand Blvd. #101, Glendale.

Website: www.rollingrobots.com

Phone: (818) 241-2308

Silverlake Beach Camp

Silverlake Beach Camp features fun-filled day trips to local beaches, museums, parks, pools, and attractions. The small, multi-aged groups are comprised of elementary school campers who travel by passenger van to a different city location each day.

Dates: 7/7 – 8/1.

Ages: Pre-K – Pre-5th Grade. Schedule: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cost: $350 per week.

First day to register: Now.

Drop off and pick up at Mt. Hollywood Church in Los Feliz

4607 Prospect Avenue, Los Angeles

Website: www.silverlakecamps.com

Phone: (323) 445-3790

Silver Lake Recreation Center Day Camp

Silver Lake’s bustling Rec Center hosts a daily mix of activities designed to keep kids entertained, from sports and games, to crafts and cooking. Kids 7 and older swim once a week, and there is an optional field trip every Friday.

Dates, schedule and other details to be determined. A parents’ informational meeting occurs mid-May.

For kids who want to get a few laughs over the summer, Studio LOL is the place. Comedy Camp offers young performers instruction in improvisation, sketch comedy, character work, and scenes. Each session starts at a beginner level and builds throughout the week. On Friday, students perform a comedy show for family and friends.

Dates: 6/9 – 8/8.

Ages: 8 and older with the week of July 7-11 for younger kids age 5 – 7.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Cost: $250 per week.

First day to register: Now.

11634 Ventura Blvd., Studio City

Website:
www.studiolol.com

Phone: (818) 660-3460

Summer @ Chandler

Camp is back at the Chandler campus in Pasadena this year. Summer @ Chandler offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere where children are encouraged to pursue their own interests and develop friendships. Classes range from cooking and photography to Lego Robotics and debate, along with weekly themes like Mad Scientist and Hollywood Bound. There are also optional swimming field trips on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

And the Oscar goes to… Summer Acting Camp provides a wide range of specialized courses for junior thespians. Students take ten 40-minute classes every day, including acting, singing, tap dance, movement, improvisation, stage combat and on-camera technique. There are 2 three-week sessions throughout the summer. Each ends with a performance on the playhouse stage.

Dates: Session One 6/9 – 6/27;

Session Two 6/30 – 7/18.

Ages: 5 – 15. Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $600 per session for early registrants.

First day to register: Now

La Canada Playhouse,

La Canada High School

4463 Oak Grove Dr., La Canada

www.summeractingcamp.com

Phone: (818) 957-1619

Summer Sports Camp
In the heart of Los Feliz, kids can enjoy a half-day of tennis or soccer at the Riverside Drive sports center. With a staff of seasoned, high-energy pros, children get superior training and have lots of fun. There is also an option to cool off in the adjacent swimming pool.

Summer with Shakespeare
Aspiring Othellos and Ophelias can spend the summer with Shakespeare at A Noise Within, Pasadena’s classical theatre company. The intensive 3-week conservatory-style program exposes kids to improvisation, stage combat, text analysis, kinetic exercises, voice and speech led by classically-trained, professional actors and choreographers. Camp culminates in a presentation for family and friends.

Dates: 6/23 – 7/12.

Ages: 10 – 18.

Schedule: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $850.

First day to register: Now.

3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena

Website:
www.anoisewithin.org

Phone: (626) 356-3104

Summerkids

Run for over 30 years by the DiMassa family, Summerkids has one main rule for its campers: to have fun. The camp is divided into three groups serving campers age 3 through 9th grade. SK-PreK, Summerkids, and Summer Challenge are conducted at The Angelus Mountain Center in Altadena, a 56-acre campground of meadows, wooded areas, a stream, lodge, cabins, pool, and sports fields. Activities range from campfire songs and crafts, to swimming, hiking, cooking, and Capture The Flag.

First day to register: returning families have priority until 3/1, when enrollment opens to new families.

3697 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena

Website:
www.summerkids.net

Phone: (626) 577-9979

Swordplay Studios

Swordplay in Burbank offers week-long camps for kids who want to improve their fencing skills and summon their inner Skywalker. This year, the camp is offering sessions of Star Wars-themed Jedi Training, along with traditional Fencing Camp, and even a Shakespeare Camp.

Dates: 6/9 – 8/15.
Ages: 5 – 18, varies by session.

Schedule and costs to be determined.

416 South Victory Blvd., Burbank

Website: www.swordplayla.com

Phone: (818) 903-0200

Theatre 360 Summer Camp

Each of Theatre 360’s two-week sessions focuses on a different series of shows, styles, historical periods, composers, and choreographers. Campers learn songs, scenes, monologues, and dances from a variety of theatrical sources. More intensive acting, dance and voice programs are also available, as is a special program for children ages 3 – 5.

Dates: 6/16 – 8/22.

Ages: 3 – 19.

Schedule and other details to be determined.

75 N. Marengo Ave. Pasadena

Website: www.theatre360.org

Phone: (626) 577-5922

Tom Sawyer Camp
In business for more than 80 years, Tom Sawyer Camp is a virtual landmark on L.A.’s summer camp scene. Horseback riding, archery, swimming, sports, climbing and other forms of rugged outdoor fun acquaint campers with local wilderness areas. Transportation is provided for kids from their homes to the Pasadena camp, with the exception of those living outside normal pick-up areas.

Dates: 6/16 – 8/22.

Ages: Pre-Camp ages 3 – 5;

Day Camp 1st – 5th Grade;

Outpost Camp 6th – 9th Grade.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Choose 2, 3 or 5 days a week.

Cost: Price varies by number of days and weeks registered.

First day to register: Now.

Hahamongna Watershed Park

707 West Woodbury Rd, #F, Altadena

Website: www.tomsawyercamps.com

Phone: (626) 794-1156

Wizard of Art

Summer art workshops at this popular Los Feliz art school feature drawing, painting, cartooning, and clay sculpting. All ages are welcome. Single hour classes are also available throughout the summer.

Dates, schedule and further details to be determined.

Ages: 4 and up.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cost: $230 per week.

1947 Hillhurst Ave. Los Feliz

Website: http://thewizardofart.com

Phone: (323) 661-0341

Zoo Camp

Kids will go ape over the L.A. Zoo’s hundreds of amazing animals from meerkats to spider monkeys. ZooCamp offers fun, educational, week-long sessions for young animal-lovers and adventurers who want to learn more about their favorite furry, flying, or amphibious friends.

Dates: 6/16 – 8/8.

Ages: 4 – 12.

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with extended care available.

Cost: To be determined; member discounts available.

Los Angeles Zoo,
5333 Zoo Drive

Website: www.lazoo.org/education

Phone: (323) 644-4211

Overnight Camps

Astrocamp
Nestled in the San Jacinto mountains near the town of Idyllwild, Astrocamp offers residential camps where kids can train like NASA astronauts, explore space with state-of-the-art telescopes, simulate rock climbing on Mars, and more. There are two groups divided by age: Astrocamp Explorer for kids 8 -14 offers one-week sessions; Astrocamp Voyager for teens 12 – 17 offers a two-week camp. Facilities include zip lines, a ropes course, and an indoor pool.

Explorer Dates: 7/7 – 7/27.

Voyager Dates: 6/29 – 7/25.

Ages: 8 – 14.

Explorer Cost: $950 – $1,050 depending on the session.

Voyager Cost: $1,995.

First day to register: Now

26800 Saunders Meadow Rd., Idyllwild

Website: www.guideddiscoveries.org

Phone: (800) 645-1423

Camp JCA Shalom

For nearly 60 years, JCA Shalom has been the “Camp for All Seasons,” providing thousands of kids with adventures and memories to last a lifetime. The camp’s vision of Tikkun Olam – creating a better world – is fulfilled through a positive Jewish living experience in the natural setting of the Shalom Institute. Daily activities include traditional camp fare – pioneer living, canoeing, rappelling, archery, camp crafts and more – along with immersions into Jewish culture like Maccabiah Games and Israeli Dance. Camp JCA Shalom offers two-week sessions for children entering Grades 2 – 8, three-week sessions for children entering Grades 5 – 8, special one-week mini-camps for children entering Grades 2 – 6, and a variety of programs for teens entering Grades 9 – 12.

From scuba to sailing, marine science to seafood cooking, Catalina Sea Camp offers courses for all levels and interests. Whether your child is a beginner or seasoned expert, the challenging programs will advance skill level and knowledge for kids age 12 – 17. Two three-week sessions are offered and both are coed. There is also a Junior Sea Camp for ages 8 – 13 comprised of three one-week sessions filled with snorkeling, hiking, and ocean learning adventures.

Catalina Island is the ultimate summer playground for kids of all ages. Families can choose a one-week camping adventure all the way up to four weeks of exploration and learning. Activities include snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, and hiking. Catalina Islands Camps offer an authentic old-fashioned adventure with campfires, singing, and sleeping under the stars.

Camp Hollywoodland is a hidden jewel nestled in Griffith Park between the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Park Observatory. The camp has been around for over 80 years and is designed to provide girls with a true camping experience within the city’s park wilderness. Weekly themes and field trips are part of each session. This year’s include: The Strange & Unknown which travels to California Adventure; Camp Enchanted which visits Disneyland; and Island Fever which features a beach excursion. All are designed to foster self-worth, confidence and leadership.

Dates: July and August, further details to be determined.

Ages: 6 – 14.

Cost: $375 – $450 depending on the session. Sunday Open Houses will be held on 4/13 and 5/18 from

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

3200 Canyon Drive

Website: www.laparks.org/dos/camps/hollywoodland.htm

Phone: (323) 467-7193

Pali Overnight Adventures

Situated in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, Pali offers more than 15 specialty adventures for kids to choose from – Secret Agent Camp, Film Camp, Journalism Camp, Flying Trapeze Camp, and Hollywood Stunt Camp to name a few. Each week, campers put on special showcases featuring their latest works, films, new dance moves, acting, and stunts.

Dates: 6/15 – 8/16.

Ages: 9 – 16.

Cost: $1,865 per week,

$3,600 for two-weeks,

$6,900 for four weeks.

First day to register: Now

30778 Hwy 18,

Running Springs

Website: www.paliadventures.com

Phone: (909) 867-5743

Tall Ship Summer Sailing

This unique summer program takes place aboard the TOLE MOUR, the largest sailing school vessel on the West Coast. The co-ed trips are geared towards kids age 10 – 18. Ages 10 – 16 go for one-week, while older kids 13 – 18 can opt for two-week excursions. During their voyage, campers receive sailing instruction, marine science lessons, and participate in snorkeling, diving, boogie boarding, and kayaking.

YMCA of Glendale Camp Fox Catalina Island
YMCA’s Camp Fox on Catalina Island caters to youth, junior high, and high school kids who enjoy water activities, “land lubber” sports like Frisbee golf, volleyball, dances, and nightly campfires. Sessions are grouped by age and all are coed.

Dates: 6/15 – 8/16
Ages: 8 – 17.

Cost: $600 – $625 based on membership.

First day to register: Now.

YMCA of Glendale

140 N. Louise St.,

Glendale

Website: www.glenymca.org

Phone: (818) 240-4130 ext. 24

YMCA Camp Surf

Another YMCA offering on the summer circuit, Camp Surf has a strong focus on ocean fun, although campers participate in a wide range of other activities like rock climbing, archery, games, campfires, skits and dances. Sessions are week-long and divided into groups by age: Mariners, Watermen, Beachcombers, and SOUL Surfers.

Overnighters at Camp Marston get to explore over 200 acres of trails and forests near San Diego, including a lake, swimming pool, climbing tower, and archery range. Arts and crafts, sports, dance, drama, and hiking are also on the schedule. Sessions are grouped by age: Explorers (age 7 – 11), Challengers (age 11 – 13), and Mountaineers (age 13 – 16).

Dates: 6/15 – 8/15.

Ages: 7 – 16.

Cost:
$615 – $715 per week.

First day to register: Now

4761 Pine Hills Road,

Julian

Website: www.camp.ymca.org

Phone: (760) -765-0642

YMCA Raintree Ranch

YMCA Raintree Ranch is a small specialty camp near San Diego focused on riding, caring for horses and camp fun. Kids learn to ride, and get to know horse care and feeding in an unforgettable experience. With 38 horses for 80 campers, kids get plenty of horse time through arena lessons, trail rides and equine classes with additional care, feeding and ranch chores.